Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak has directed the Ghana Police Service to intensify efforts to combat vigilantism and prevent individuals and groups from establishing unauthorised security outfits.

He says the emergence of self-styled protection groups formed by political parties, traditional leaders, individuals and other organisations poses a threat to Ghana’s peace and security.

Speaking at the opening of a regional commanders’ conference at the Police Headquarters in Accra, Mr Muntaka urged police commanders to act decisively against such groups.

He cited the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019 (Act 999), which prohibits the formation of private security forces for the protection of individuals or groups without state authorisation.

The Minister stressed that only security agencies duly established and authorised by the state should be permitted to provide such protection.

He therefore tasked the Police Service to identify and prosecute persons involved in forming or operating illegal groups.

Mr Muntaka also ordered security service commanders to stop the unauthorised recording and circulation of videos and other content showing recruits undergoing training.

According to him, the increasing publication of training activities on social media by officers and trainers could compromise the integrity of security institutions and their training programmes.

He has consequently directed commanders of the various security services to introduce strict measures to prevent the recording, publication and distribution of images and videos of recruits without approval.

The Interior Minister said protecting the confidentiality of security training remains essential to maintaining the professionalism and effectiveness of the country’s security services.

“We observe with concern a new trend of chiefs, political parties, individuals, and some organisations building forces for self-protection. The Vigilantism and Related Offences Act 2019 Act 999 is clear on this matter.

“These are illegal and should not be tolerated. There should be no forces for protection of any person or group except those authorised by the state. I therefore charge you and your commanders to nip this in the bud and bring perpetrators to book,” he said.

“I am equally concerned about the growing number of officers and trainers in our training schools, allowing videos and other content of recruits undergoing training to be recorded and shared on social media. This practice must stop.